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A TERRIBLE TRAGEDY

A Man Shoots His Brother, and then Puts a Bullet Through His Own Brain

DEATH OF WILLIAM SAWYER

Verdict of the Coronoer's Jury

This morning about ten o'clock Messrs. William and Benjamin Sawyer, who have for
years been partners in the running of the oil mill, near the east end of East Main street, were
in their office talking over their business affairs. An old business transaction, about which
they had disagreed for some time, came up in the course of the conversation, and some warm
words were used. In the course of the conversation, Mr. J.W. Ham, the book keeper, came in and
soon after he entered the office. Mr. William Sawyer stepped to the desk, as he said, to get a
bank book or papers for the purpose of going out to settle up some accounts. A moment later
the crack of a pistol startled Mr. Ham and also Mr. Benjamin Sawyer, who was sitting in a chair
in the east end of the office, the desk being in the west end. Both gentlemen saw at once that
William was aiming his shots at Benjamin, and two more shots followed in quick succession, the
last one taking effect in the head of the last named. He at once started to leave the office
to escape further shots, and as he stepped out into the large room of the mill he fell, with
his head bleeding profusely. Mr. William Sawyer at once left the office and passed down and
inside stairway to the basement of the building, and then went out at a west door.

Mr. Ham as quickly as possible stationed the employes around the mill, so that
they could see which way William went if he left the promises. While doing this a pistol shot
was heard on the west side of the mill, and upon going there Mr. William Sawyer was seen lying
near the door by which he had left the mill, with blood oozing from one temple and also flowing
from the nose and mouth, while he was apparently in a dying condition. It at once became
apparently in a dying condition. It at once became evident that on stepping from the building
Mr. Sawyer had placed the barrel of his pistol against his right temple and discharged it, the
ball passing entirely through the head, being visible under the skin on the opposite side from
where it entered. He was still breathing, but it was evident that he could live but a short
time.

In the meantime Benjamin, in the room above, had been assisted to a chair, and
physicians were called, who, upon examination, found an ugly wound on the top of the head which
ranged transversely over the skull. He was entirely conscious, and was soon taken to his home
on East Wood street, where a more thorough examination disclosed a fractured skull, rendering
trepanning necessary, which operation was performed by Drs. I.N. Barnes and R.L. Walston. The
condition of the wounded man is considered quite critical, though it is hoped that careful
nursing will bring him through.

William, who was in a dying state, was taken to his home in opera block, where
the news of the terrible tragedy was broken to his wife. Soon after being taken to his home
he breathed his last, at about eleven o'clock.

Both gentlemen have been prominent in the business circles of the city for many
years, and the sad tragedy has cast a gloom over the community. Benjamin is past 60, and his
brother was past 58 years of age.

The first witness sworn was James W. Ham, book-keeper, who testified that he was in
the office at the time of the shooting, had seen Wm. Sawyer at the office sometime before the
shooting occurred, and also Benjamin; witness came into the office a few minutes before the
shooting. He was standin by the desk when deceased asked him to let him come there, as he wanted
to get some papers from a drawer. Witness stepped to one side. Deceased tried to bunches of keys
before he found the key that unlocks the drawer, heard the drawer unlocked; in a moment heard a
pistol shot, and then two or three in quick succession. Mr. B. Sawyer was sitting in a chair.
Saw him get up and go out of the office, falling as he passed through the door. He then stepped
outside the building, and soon heard another shot on the north side of the mill. Went there and
saw the body of the deceased lying with his head to the north, and a pistol near him. Went back
into the mill and saw Mr. B. sitting in a chair with persons around him washing a wound on his
head. Had seen pistol lying near deceased several times before. It had sometimes been kept in
a safe. It is a large navy six shooter; did not examine to see how many barrels were empty. Had
several times noticed of late that the conduct of deceased was somewhat peculiar; had several
times heard him talking to himself.

John Pease testified: Work at the oil mill. Was going to east room to get a drink
of water, when I heard pistol go off; two men ran past me, who said that William Sawyer had shot
his brother; I then ran back to the engine room, when I heard the pistol go off again. I then
heard pistol go off again. I then heard Mr. Ham exclaim that William had shot himself. Went out
and aroud the building and saw the deceased lying on the ground bleeding from a wound in his head,
with pistol at his feet. Had noticed for two months past that deceased had acted strangely, so
much so that it had been a matter of talk among the men.

Wm. Newton testified that he worked in the mill. Was in the cellar when he heard
three shots; went up the stairway, and saw Ben. Sawyer lying on floor and William Sawyer coming
out of office toward him, cocking pistol as he came. Witness turned around, went down cellar,
out at east door and around to engine, when he heard pistol go off again. In company with others
went bakc and saw deceased lying on ground, with hole in head, and 25 or 30 men around him. Had
seen deceased act strangely, and had heard the workmen talk regarding his lunacy.

Mr. Goodman works at the mill and corroborated preceding testimony as to hearing
pistol shots. He though he heard 4 in the office besides the one which resulted in death of Wm.
Sawyer.

H. Smock works at the mill, but was up town at the time of the shooting. Got to
the wcene in time to help Blair lift deceased to a sitting position. Saw the wound and asked
Blair what did it, when Blair pointed to the pistol lying a few feet away. Deceased was
unconscious and breathing hard; had oiled pistol for deceased some time ago, and run a lot of
bullets for him. It was a large sized Colt's navy revolver, carrying ounce balls. Had never
noticed anything strange in deceased manner as he did not speak to witness unless he had
business with him.

Patrick Connolly was the last witness, and testified to hearing shots.

THE VERDICT

Witnesses, spectators and reporters were then invited out by the coronoer, when
the jury rendered the following verdict:

We, the jury summoned and sworn on an inquest held upon the body of William Sawyer,
of Decatur, Illinois, do find, from the evidence, that said William Sawyer came to his death by
a ball fired from a pistol, with his own hand - said ball entering the right temple, and
lodging in his head, causing his death by said act - the said firing occurring between the hours
of 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., of the 4th day of November, A.D. 1878

One person was killed and five were slightly injured at the Wood street crossing
of the Illinois Central at 8:10 Friday night when a street car on the Riverside line was struck
and turned over by a string of empty coal cars on the Illinois Central.

CONDUCTOR CRUSHED

J.B. Coulter, the conductor on the street car, was instantly killed, his body
caught and crushed under the corner of the car and shoved several feet by the freight train.

The wonder is that more were not killed, as the conditions for a horrible disaster
could not have been better. Those who were in the car were injured by being cut with broken
glass or bruised in falling when the street car turned over. Had the street car been filled with
passengers, many lives would doubtless have been lost.

FIVE PASSENGERS

The street car, in charge of Conductor Coulter and Motorman William J. Cullen, the
ex-policeman, had left the Country club at 8 o'clock to come into the city, and there were five
passengers in the car when the Wood street crossing of the Illinois Central railroad was reached.

CONDUCTOR GOES AHEAD

According to custom, the car was stopped east of the railroad tracks and Conductor
Coulter went ahead to see that there were no trains ahead to see that there were no trains coming
before signalling his motorman to come forward with the car. That is always a dark crossing, and
there are usually cars standing on one or more of the side tracks on each side of the crossing, so
that unless there is a light on the rear end of a string of coal cars they could be backed on the
crossing without being noticed.

Conductor Coulter crossed both of the main tracks of the Central and no trains being
in sight from either direction he gave the signal for the car to approach. He was at the time
standing on the north side of the street car track and was on the fourth Central track from the
east, waiting for the rear of the car to reach him so he could hop on. That was the last seen of
him alive.

UNABLE TO CLEAR TRACK

Just as the street car was crossing the fourth track a string of empty coal cars was
backed up from the south by an Illinois Central switch engine. Witnesses declared that there was
no light on the car. The train was backed up so fast that the motorman did not see it until he
glanced down the track and saw the car by the light from the street car windows. By that time the
street car was on the track directly in front of the oncoming train, and the only thing to do was
for the motorman to throw on all speed forward. This he did, but he was unable to get his car in
the clear.

The coal car struck the street car almost in the center of the south side, turning it
over and shoving it clear over to the north side of the crossing, a distance of thirty or forty
feet. It is said that the car was shoved about twenty feet before it turned over.

CAUGHT UNDER CAR

Conductor Coulter was caught under the car when it fell and his body was shoved along
with the car. When he was found the corner of the car was resting in the middle of his back. After
turning over the car had been tilted up on the corner, so that almost the entire weight of the car
rested on the body of the unfortunate conductor. He was dead when found.

The coal car was also wrecked and thrown from the track. It was about half an hour
before the body of Conductor Coulter could be removed from under the car. It was taken to Moran's
undertaking establishment and prepared for burial.

CRASH HEARD BLOCKS

There was a scene of wildest excitement in the vicinty of the wreck. The crash could
be heard for blocks and in a few minutes a large crowd had gathered. The five passengers in the car
suffered many cuts and bruises, but fortunately none were seriously injured.

Will Cunningham, trap drummer at the Bijou theater, was thrown through a window of the
car. His back was slightly sparined but otherwise he was uninjured. The Misses Portwood received a
number of severe cuts and bruises above the face and body. Earl Kirkendall and Attorney Chester A.
Smith received several cuts about the ankles and were also slightly bruised.

HELP IMMEDIATE

The Central switch crew hurried to the spot immediately after the crash. It was pitch
dark in the car and Attorney Chester Smith asked one of them to hold a lantern inside so that the
passengers could see how to get out. Vincent Haber and Scott McKenzie were about the first to reach
the overturned car, and they and others assisted Attorney Smith and Motorman Cullen in getting the
others out of the car. The two girls had to be carried out, but the men were able to take care of
themselves.

A MYSTERIOUS DEATH

Suspicions of Foul Play - Post Mortem Examination

On Tuesday of this week a young lady, giving the name of Mary Hiser, was placed in a
family living near the east end of Wood street, on the north side, for the purpose of boarding for a
short time. Yesterday the young woman was taken till, and steadily grew worse until about 7 o'clock
last evening, when she died. She was laid out, as is usual, but soon rumors were afloat that there
was something wrong about the case, and so strong were suspicions that such was the case that the
Coroner was notified, who, upon repairing to the house where the body was lying, and inquiring into
matters, was of the opinion that an inquest should be held and a post mortem examination had. In
pursuance of this conviction, Dr. W.J. Chenoweth and Dr. A.R. Small were called to make the examination.
These gentlemen upon examination are of the opinion that there were indications pointing strongly to
the theory that the death of the young woman was caused by an abortion.

THE CORONER'S INQUEST

The coroner's jury called to inquire into the cause of Mary Hiser's death, held a session
in the grand jury room last evening and examined several witnesses but, as there were some witnesses
whose presence could not be secured last evening, the jury took a recess until this evening at 7 o'clock.
The jury has very judiciously decided to have their investigation strictly private, allowing no
spectators to be present - not even representatives of the press; and they admit only one witness at a
time. The jury is an excellent one, being composed of the following gentlemen; John Ullrich, foreman;
C.L. Griswold, W.W. Foster, F.A. Leforgee, H.P. Christie, Henry F. May, Philip Miller, D.H. Heilman,
Geo. S. Durfee, E. Oberderston, W.J. Brown and E. Gruble.

As stated yesterday, the name of the unfortunate victim in this case was Mary Hiser, and
was the daughter of Mr. John Hiser, a well-to-do farmer, living near Rea's bridge. She came to the
city about one month ago, and lived for a short time in the family of Mr. David Levy, and from there
she went to live in the family of Mr. C.A. Tuttle, where she remained until last Monday, when she told
Mrs. Tuttle that she wanted to go home for a few days, which the family supposed she did, but it
seems that instead of going home, she went to the house where she died. Yesterday the parents were
notified and last evening the distressed father came and took the body of his daughter home.

As to all the matters and facts bearing upon the menas by which the young woman came
to her sad and seemingly untimely death, they are in the keeping of the coroner and the jury
investigating the case, where it is proper that they should remain until a verdict is rendered by
them.

Decatur Weekly Republican, 4 Apr 1878

VERDICT OF THE CORONER'S JURY

After a protracted session of three days the Coronoer's jury, called to inquire into the
cause of Mary Hiser's death, terminated its labors to-day at half past one o'clock p.m., and returned
as their verdict the following:

We the jury of inquest on the cause of the death of Mary Francis Hiser, find from the
evidence that the said Mary F. Hiser came to her death as the result of an abortion produced on her
by the hands of Mrs. Margaret Henkle. We also find that at the time of her death she was in the sixth
month of her pregnancy, and that she died at the house of Mrs. Jennie Pitts, on East Wood street, in
the city of Decatur. And we the jury further find that Edward Noel was the seducer of the said Mary
F. Hiser, and was an accessorty before the fact.

In anticipation of the verdict a warrant for the arrest of Mrs. Henkle was sworn out on
Friday, and has been in the hands of the officers ever since, but she has not been found. Yesterday
a reward of $50 was offered for her apprehension by the sheriff and coroner.

Decatur Weekly Republican, 4 Apr 1878

MACON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

August Term, 1878

Court convened at 1 1/2 o'clock, Judge W.E. Nelson presiding.

The case of The People vs. Margaret Henkle, charged with the murger of Mary Hiser, was
called. In response to the court State's attorney Buckingham said the People were ready. In behalf
of the Hon. A.B. Bunn said that they were ready, and immediately thereupon the call of a jury commenced.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14

On the assembling of court this morning the call of a jury for the trial of the Henkle
case was resumed, and the entire forenoon was spent without adding to the number which had been
accepted last night, that being four. The examination of jurors was resumed at 1 1/2 o'clock this
forenoon.

Decatur Weekly Republican, 15 Aug 1878

MONDAY, AUG. 19

The case of The People vs. Margaret Henkle was resumed, and Mrs. Pitts - at whose house
Mary Hiser died, and who was on the stand at the adjournment of court on Saturday - was called, and
her direct and cross-examination occupied the whole of the forenoon.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21

Court convened at half past 8 o'clock, and resumed the case of The People vs. Margaret
Henkle. Dr. W.J. Chenoweth was called as a witness for the prosecution, and his direct examination
occupied the entire forenoon up to the time of going to press this afternoon.

Decatur Weekly Republican, 22 Aug 1878

THE HENKLE TRIAL

The Case Submitted Without Argument

On the opening of court this morning Mrs. Henkle was placed upon a lounge in the court
room on account of indisposition, she having been unable to sit up but little for the last two days.
Had she been able it was the intention of her consel to place her on the witness stand this morning.
Mr. Crea, of counsel for the defendant, announced to the court that he had sent for Dr. Sibley, Mrs.
Henkle's attending physician, to get his opinion as to whether it would be safe for her to take the
stand. Dr. A.J. Stoner and Dr. J. Brown were also consulted as to the same matter. These medical
gentlemen were united int he opinion that defendant was too sick to attempt to testify.

It was then proposed by defendant's counsel to submit the case without defendant's
testimony, both sides waiving argument. Upon consultation the counsel for the prosecution accepted
the proposition, and the counsel on both sides proceeded to prepare their instructions.

The preparation of the instructions occupied the time to 3 o'clock, and were not then
ready. The jury will probably get them near the close of the day.

The Jury ask for Further Instructions - Being Unable to Agree they are Discharged

About ten o'clock yesterday the jury in the Henkle case sent for the Judge, saying that
they wished to communicate with him. His honor came to the court-room as soon as possible, and the
jury was called in. Mrs. Henkle, who was in the sheriff's office, was brought in upon a lounge, she
still being unable to sit up.

The jury submitted to the court the following questions.

In case a verdict of guilty should be found could the term of imprisonment be fixed at a
less number of years than 14? In answer to this question the court read the instructions to the
effect that if a verdict of guilty was found the jury must make the penalty some number of years
between 14 and the natural life of defendant.

It was also asked by the jurors whether they could have the affidavit of Mrs. Pitts? To
which the court gave a negative response.

Another juror wished to know whether the instructions were to be regarded as evidence,
or as argument of counsel, or as the instrucitons of the court himself? The answer was that the
instructions to the jury were the law by which they were to be guided in making up their verdict.

The jury then returned to their room for further deliberation.

During the balance of the day attorneys and others were on the watch, and up to nine
o'clock the officers having the jury in charge were bored with the inquiry, "Have they agreed yet?"
Early this morning the same line of questions was renewed.

About half-past eight o'clock one of the jurors informed the officer that they would
like to communicate with the court, and about nine o'clock Judge Nelson came in and had the jury
called before him.

Upon being asked what they desired, the Foreman repsonded that they had found
themselves unable to agree upon a verdict, and that there was no prospect of an agreement.
Whereupon the court informned them that he did not feel authorized to discharge them at present,
and that they might return to their room and resume their deliberations.

Soon after noon the jury again asked to be admitted into court, and upon entering they
assured the judge that they had made no progress toward an agreement, and there was no prospect
of getting any nearer together in their opinions, whereupon they were discharged by order of court.

Defendant's counsel then moved that she be admitted to bail, which was granted by the
court, the bail being fixed at $3000.

In conversation with the jurors it was ascertained that they stood eight for conviction
and four for acquttal, and that they had stood that way since Saturday evening.

Decatur Weekly Republican, 5 Sep 1878

DEATH OF FRED SIMPSON WAS SUICIDE OR ACCIDENT

The Sad Intelligence Received by the Parents in this City - Fred Had Been Sick and
Was On His Way Home

Fred J. Simpson, son of Alderman and Mrs. Geo. S. Simpson, of 367 West Main street
this city was found dead in his room at the Westminster hotel in Los Angeles, Cal., Thursday night.
The following press telegram from there:

LOS ANGELES, Cal., Feb. 14 - Fred Simpson, a young man from Decatur, Ill., was found
dead in his room at the Westminster hotel at noon today having taken an apparent overdose of morphine,
apparently with suicidal intent. Becoming suspicious of Simpson's non-appearance, the hotel manager
forced open the door of his room and discovered the body of the young man in full dress stretched
across the bed rigid in death. Beside the corpse lay an eight ounce bottle containing a small quantity
of morphine. Simpson had been dissipating heavily and while all indications point to suicide, it is
possible that he may have taken the drug as a sedative. He left no letters and nothing is known about
him beyond the fact that he hailed from Decatur, Ill.

PARENTS NOTIFIED

The parents of the young man were notified by a telegram at 5 o'clock Friday evening and
were almost prostrated by the shock. The father at once telegraphed to have the remains shipped home
at once.

WAS NOT SUICIDE

The parents of the young man refuse to believe that he committed suicide and incline to
the belief that Fred took the morphine to relieve the pains that he always felt in his sickness. The
father said this morning that Fred had been sick for several weeks and had written for money to come
home. On Feb., 5, Mr. Simpson sent him a check for $100, and he was expected home today. In his last
letters he showed no feeling of melancholy and in fact seemed in better spirits than usual.

Fred Simpson left Decatur about five months ago and went to his father's olive ranch
twenty-five miles from Los Angeles, and was interested in the management of the place. He was
accompanied by George Tuttle. It is supposed that he left Tuttle at the ranch as nothing has been
heard from him and had reached Los Angeles on his way home when he was taken violently ill and that
he used morphine to relieve the pain which he frequently complained of in his stomach.

The deceased was 23 years of age. The remains are expected to arrive home on next
Tuesday.

The Evening Bulletin (Decatur), 14 Feb 1896

KILLED HIS MOTHER

Harry Starrs Awful Mistake

Believing His Mother to be a Burglar, He Shot Her Last Night

Susan K. Starr, widow of the late J.G. Starr, was shot by her son Harry, under
the belief that she was burglar, at 12:20 oclock this morning, at her home, No. 345 West Main
street. At that hour the report of a pistol and the heart-rending shriek of the mortally
wounded woman startled the people in the neighborhood, many of whom had just returned from
the theatre and had not yet retired. Jim and Dick Roberts heard the shot at their home at the
corner of Prairie and Edward streets and with Fred Baldwin were among the first to reach the
house. They were met by the agonized young man who had committed the awful mistake and he
incoherently explained what had happened. Drs. D.N. and E.W. Moore and W.J. and Cass Chenoweth
were summoned. They arrived within twenty minutes after the distressing occurrence but were too
late to render any aid. Mrs. Starrs death must have been almost instantaneous. She breathed
a few times but probably never more than realized that she had been shot. Her night robes were
saturated with blood and a ghastly pool marked the spot where she fell. After being shot she
walked from her dresser towards her bed for a few steps and then fell to the floor. The painful
circumstances attending the direful calamity made it somewhat difficult to glean the particulars.
When Harry realized what he had done he rushed to the window with cries of murder. T.T. Roberts,
who resides opposite the Starr residence, heard his cries and telephoned to the police headquarters
and Special Officers W.H. Bailey and W.W. Connard went at once to the house. They found Mrs. Starr
setting with her back against the bed and her head on a pillow. Harry was by her side lamenting
his mistake and bathing her wound with water. The officers thing that she was alive when they got
there but that she died soon afterward. Officer Bailey took charge of the revolver, fearing that
Harry, in his remorse, might do himself violence. The revolver was a Smith & Wesson self-acting 38
calibre. The bullet enetered Mrs. Starrs neck just below the ear and passed through almost on a
line. It struck against the wall and made a dent there when it came out. The opinion is that the
jugular vein was severed. W.H. Starr, who is residing on West Macon street during the erection of
his new house on the lot adjoining his mother, was notified of her death and reached her home at 1
oclock.

Saturday Herald (Decatur), 14 Sep 1889

HOW IT HAPPENED

As our readers well know several bold burglaries have been committed lately in the
city and our people generally are more or less watchful. Only yesterday Mrs. Starr and her son,
who with the servant girl, were the only occupants of the house, had talked about the depredations
of burglars. Harry, who is single, made his home with his mother, and was her protector. Both
occupied up-stairs rooms on the west side of the house, the rooms being separated by folding doors.
Harry slept in the south room and his mother in the north room. Both retired at the usual hour.
At about 12 oclock Harry was aroused by a real or imaginary noise and thinking of burglars he got
up and secured a 38-calibre Smith & Wesson revolver, which had been kept in a dressing case. There
was no one moving about in his mothers room at that time. Harry returned to his bed and put the
revolver under his pillow. He fell asleep thinking of and listening for burglars. He was asleep
when another noise aroused him. Looking north through the open doors he saw a dark form outlined
against the window the moon was shining and instantly he fired the fatal shot, the response to
which was one terrible cry from his mother, through whose neck the fatal bullet had passed, imbedding
itself in the north wall of the room. Instantly Harry realized the terrible mistake he had made
and hurried to the side of his mother to support her before she fell and to find her life blood
issuing in streams from the severed jugular vein. In a short time the noble woman and loving mother
was dead, and Harry in his great sorrow and terror could only cry out for held and do what he could
to get medical assistance. The awfulness of the situation is indescribable. Harry is nearly
heart-broken. Both mother and son were deeply attached to each other, the attachment being so
marked as to occasion not unfrequent comment. Harry was Mrs. Starrs only unmarried son. He was
devoted to her in every way, and she loved him fondly.

THE INQUEST

This morning the inquest was held at the home of sorrow by Coroner Bendure. The
testimony follows:

T.T. Roberts testified: Came home from Springfield, between 12 and 1 oclock; heard
cries of male and female voices; ran down stairs. Was called by name by Harry Starr, who called
to me to see his mother, who was shot. Went to the room, then went to get medical help and aroused
others.

Harry Starr testified: Mother had been out driving. I came home about 9 oclock from
a drive; sat down on the porch and talked for about one hour about improvements on the house. I
undressed and went to bed. She took a bath and retired; soon after spoke of feeling better, and
of the trip to Washington. I awoke, hearing, as I thought, noises; returned to bed, but laid my
revolver under my pillow; went to sleep listening. Knew nothing until again aroused; knew report
of revolver, and began to realize that I had shot my mother. Called murder, and tried to care
for my mother. Saw Mr. Roberts calling me by name; Mr. Roberts then came over, and soon after James
and Richard Roberts. The policeman and physicians were very soon telephoned to by Mr. Roberts.

THE VERDICT

State of Illinois

Macon County

In the matter of the inquisition on the body of Susannah K. Starr, deceased, held
at Decatur, Ill., on the 11th day of September, A.D. 1889, we the undersigned jurors, sworn to
inquire of the death of Susannah K. Starr, on oath do find that she came to her death by a pistol
shot from a revolver held in the hand of her son, Harry C. Starr, at her home on West Main street,
between the hours of 12 and 1 oclock this morning. The circumstances of the shooting were that
after Harry and his mother had retired for the night in adjoining rooms, Harry was awakened by a
noise that he supposed to be a burglar at his mothers window. He got up, got his revolver, and
again retired. After a short time he was again aroused, and on seeing some one by the window whom
he took for a burglar he fired the shot which took effect in his mothers neck and caused her
death. Having heard all the testimony in the case, we fully exonerate Harry from all blame in
the matter.

Mr. Joseph Starr, the second son of the deceased lady, was at Fairbury on business for
the firm of J.G. Starr & Son when the dreadful accident occurred. A telegram was sent to him at
once, telling him to come home on the first train as an accident had happened to his mother. He did
not reach this city until 2:30 Wednesday afternoon, but he accidentally got hold of a copy of THE
DESPATCH on the train in the forenoon and thus obtained the first knowledge of the sorrowful scene
which awaited him at home.

The Decatur Daily Despatch, 12 1889

BRING BODIES TO THIS CITY

Three Greeks Meet Death At Jacksonville

GASOLINE EXPLOSION

H.P. Tead and Tom Malleos Make Arrangements

Bodies of Doene Plarenos, Pete Chocalos and Max Andres, three Greeks, who were fatally
burned in a gasoline in their bunk car at Bluffs Friday morning, will be brought to Decatur Sunday
morning and taken to Moran's chapel, where the funerals will be held by a priest of the Greek Catholic
church.

DIED FRIDAY NIGHT

The three men died at the hospital in Jacksonville Friday night. H.P. Tead, claim agent
for the Wabash, went to Jacksonville and made arrangements for the bodies to be brought here. It is
understood that some of the dead have relatives in or near Decatur. Tom Malleos of this city went to
Jacksonville and arranged for the burials.

PREPARING BREAKFAST

There were four of the Greeks in the car and they were preparing breakfast at an oil
stove. One of the men attempted to fill the gasoline tank of the stove without turning off the stove.
There was an explosion and the four men were instantly covered with burning gasoline.

They had not unlocked the car door, which was bolted on the inside. Laborers in other
bunk cars near by heard the explosion and the shrieks of the victims and battered in the door. By
this time all the clothing had been burned from the four men in the car and the wood work of the car
was on fire. The men were horribly burned but still alive, and they were placed on another car and
accompanied by C.A. Evans and Dr. Harry Day of Bluffs were hurried to the hospital in Jacksonville.
The victims were Doene Plarenos, Pete Chocalos, Max Andres and Thomas Plarenos.

Thomas Plarenos was badly burned about the face, chest and arms, but he was still
conscious and it was thought his life could be saved. Physicians at the hospital removed the
burned skin from his chest and arms and if it is seen that he will live new skin will be grafted.
He cannot talk English and it was deemed necessary to have an interpreter to get the facts concerning
the accident.

HERO MEDAL FOR DECATUR MAN

The coroner's jury, which held an inquest over the bodies of the three Greeks, who died
as a result of burns from a gasoline stove explosion in a work car at Bluffs yesterday, Saturday, said
it would recommend a Carnegie hero medal for Pete Pappas of Decatur, Ill., assistant foreman of the
railroad gang, for bravery, in smashing down the door of the car and rescuing the men alive. The fourth
of burned Greeks, Thomas Plarenos, is still alive and has a chance of recovery.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 4 Mar 1916

BURY THREE IN ONE TRENCH

Bodies of Greeks arrive on Sunday

The bodies of Doene Plarenos, Pete Chocalos and Max Andres, who lost their lives in a
gasoline explosion in their bunk car at Bluffs Friday morning, will arrive in Decatur at 11 o'clock this
forenoon and will be taken to Moran's chapel, where the funeral will be held for all three at 9 o'clock
Monday morning. The services will be conducted by a Greek priest from Chicago.

IN ONE TRENCH

The bodies of all three men will be buried in one trench in Greenwood. This will be the
second time in Decatur that more than two bodies have been buried in one grave. The only other time was
in the case of seven of the miners who lost their lives in the disaster at No. 1 coal shaft ten years
ago. All seven of the bodies were buried in the one trench.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 5 Mar 1916

THREE CASKETS TO ONE GRAVE

Friends Crowd to Triple Funeral of Greeks

CHAPEL IS FILLED

Bodies of Victims are Covered with Flowers

The triple funeral of Doene Plarenos, Pete Chocalos and Max Andres, whose deaths resulted
from the gasoline explosion in their bunk car at Bluffs Saturday morning was held at _:30 o'clock
Monday morning at Moran's chapel in Decatur. The services were conducted by Rev. Theodore Prussianos,
pastor of the Greek Orthodox church at Chicago, and his assistant pastor. Short services were also
conducted at the hospital in Jacksonville before the bodies were brought to Decatur.

CHAPEL IS FILLED

Morans chapel was filled with the friends of the three victims. Pete Pappas the interpreter
for the gang who battered down the door of the bunk car and rescued the four men who were being burned
to death, was present with thirty-five of his men from Bluffs and there were many Wabash men from
Decatur in attendance. Eighteen of the finest appearing member of the Pappas crew were selected to act
as pallbearers.

There were many beautiful floral tributes. On the forehead of each victim was a floral
wreath and the bodies from the waist down were covered with flowers. The three caskets, open from head
to foot rested side by side during the services.

TO ONE GRAVE

The funeral cortege attracted much attention as the three hearses followed by about twenty
carriages wended their way to Greenwood where the three caskets were placed in one grave.

FOURTH MAY DIE

Thomas Plarenos, the fourth man in the fire was still alive Monday, but it was feared he
could not recover.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 6 Mar 1916

GREEK REACHES HOSPITAL

Tony Planaros, Sole Survivor of Disastrous Bunk Car Fire, at Hospital

Tony Planaros, sole survivor of the disastrous Wabash bunk car fire which occurred on the
west end last week and took the lives of three of his companions, was brought from Jacksonville to the
Wabash hospital in Decatur Monday night. Every effort will be made to save his life although he was
burned almost beyond recognition and is still a livid mass of blisters.

Tony escaped from the mass of flames in the closed bunk car by breaking one of the small
windows and leaping through with his clothing in flames. His three companies perished before the car
door could be battered down. The blaze was started when a large can of gasoline exploded, sending its
flaming contents through the small car where the four Greek section laborers were preparing breakfast.

The unfortunate man is one of the worst cases ever handled in the local hospital. He is
burned from his foread down, nose, ears and lips being swollen and discolored. Both forearms are in
splints as the result of his fall and his upper arms are burned black. He also suffers from severe
burns on the body. Local physicians think there is a chance for his recovery.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 21 Mar 1916

JESSE W. HANKS, of FRIENDS CREEK TOWNSHIP, SUICIDES BY HANGING

News was received yesterday afternoon of the suicide of Jesse W. Hanks, a
prominent and wealthy farmer of Friends Creek township, which occurred at his home early
yesterday morning. The deceased arose at his usual time in the morning, and ate breakfast
with his family, seemingly in good spirits. After breakfast he went to the stable where
he was found hanging, dead, about 8 o'clock by his son, Cyrus, who had become alarmed at
his absence. The unfortunate gentleman had fastened a rope to a joist above one of the
mangers, had made a slip knot, and passing the noose around his neck, had stepped into
eternity. The family were quickly brought to the scene and the body cut down and carried
to the house. The deceased was in good circumstances, owning 400 acres of the finest
farming land in the county, besides stock, grain and other property. He was of a genial
nature and the manner of his death will be a surprise to all who were acquainted with his
habits and disposition. The cause of his death was domestic troubles. He married his
second wife about eight months ago, and the union proved an unhappy one. Saturday afternoon
the bitter feelings which existed between the pair culminated in an open quarrel, which
resulted, it is said, in the deceased assaulting his wife with a deadly weapon. Mrs. Hanks
escaped without serious injury, owing to the interference of the other memvers of the
family.

Review (Decatur), 25 Sep 1882

THE INQUEST

It was learned at the inquest held on Sunday forenoon that Mr. Hanks and his
wife did not live happily together, and that they had quarreled frequently about domestic
affairs. On Saturday last the couple indulged in another quarrel, when Mr. Hanks assaulted
his wife with w billy withi which he struck her behind the right ear, making a scar and
causing the blood to flow. He had a razor, and as he had threatened to send her to her
long home, it was believed that he intended to kill her; but in this purpose he was
frustrated. The family gathered about the breakfast table on Sunday morning, and Mr.
Hanks ate heartily. He told his sons that they needn't watchi him any more, that he didn't
intend to do himself or any othe else any harm. After leaving the table he told one of
his sons to go and feed the hogs and he would go to the old stable and salt the horses.
He took a cup filled with salt and started alone toward the stable. On the way he was
observed to stoop and pick up a rope halter with a ring tied to one end of it. This he
put into his pocket as he walked along. He was seen to enter the old stable, and it was
supposed he would return to the house shortly, but he did not, and some one of the boys
went out to the stable to learn what was detaining his father. On entering the barn the
lifeless form of Mr. Hanks was found.

DANGLING AT THE END OF A ROPE

The farmer had deliberately hung himself. He had used the rope-halter,
which was not much larger in diameter than a bed cord. By slipping one end through the
ring, he formed a noose, and then tied it to the cross pole above the stall. Climbing
up one side of the stall, he had slipped the noose about his neck, and then loosened his
hold on the stall and strangled to death in a few minutes. Had he repented of the act
before death ensued, he could have easily released himself, as the rope was short and
beams were in easy reach of his arms. His feet were less than 20 inches from the floor
of the stable. Mr. Hanks was a powerfully built man. He weighed over 200 pounds, and
it was with some diffiuclty that he was taken down.

VERDICT

The inquest was held under the supervision of Mr. Charles Towers, justice
of the peace and acting coroner. The verdict was as follows:

STATE of ILLINOIS, MACON COUNTY

At an inquest taken for the people of the state of Illinois before Charles
Towers, J.P., at the house of Jesse W. Hanks in the town of Friends Creek, in said county
of Macon, on the 24th day of September, A.D. 1882, upon the body of Jesse W. Hanks, then
and there lying dead, the under signed jurors, William H. Wykoff, David M. Adams, William
Armstrong, Joseph J. McKirahan, William Griffin and Thomas Combs, on oath, do find that
the deceased came to his death by hanging, done with suicidal intent, at his own stable,
on his own farm, in the town and county aforesaid, on the morning of the 24th day of
September, A.D. 1882,

Miss Georgia Corwin Maffit died at St. Marys hospital at 11 oclock Monday
night as the result of burned received in the destruction by flames of the D.A. Maffit
house just south of the city. Her sister, Mrs. William H. Wehmeier, was severely, but not
seriously, burned about the hands, arms and face. She will be in the hospital several
days. She rescued her eighteen month old daughter, Jane, uninjured.

David A. Maffit, who has been an invalid from rheumatism, was not hurt.
His third daughter, Miss Margaret Maffit, was not at home when the fire broke out.

GUEST BURNED, TOO

Mrs. John Allen Shauck of Columbus, O., was burned about the hands and neck
in smothering the flames that enveloped Miss Maffit. Then she was penned in her room by
the fire. She escaped by climbing out of the window to the roof of the porch that extended
the full length of the front of the house.

DUE TO SPONTANEOUS EXPLOSION

The fire was caused by the explosion of gasoline which Miss Georgia Maffit
was using in cleaning. As far as is known, it was spontaneous. The young woman was
wrapped in flames from head to foot. The Maffit house is in ruins, not enough water
being available to stop the fire or prevent its spread. The explosion occurred about 3:20
oclock Monday afternoon. Miss Maffit was taken to St. Marys hospital shortly after 4
oclock. She began sinking at 8 and breathed her last just as the clock struck 11.

SUFFERS COMPARATIVELY LITTLE

Except just at first, Miss Maffit suffered comparatively little from her
terrible burns, though she retained consciousness to within an hour of her death. Her pain
was eased by morphine, and her death was just a falling to sleep. Had she lived, she would
have been a hopeless invalid for life.

Mr. Maffit, his daughters and Mrs. Shauck spent last night at St. Marys.
Their plans are not settled yet.

FUNERAL WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

Miss Maffits body will be taken to the residence of her grandmother, Mrs.
Mary J. Usrey, 615 West Prairie avenue. The funeral will be held there at 2:30 Wednesday
afternoon.

CAUSE NOT KNOWN

There Was No Fire On Floor Which Explosion Occurred

What caused the explosion is not known. There was no fire in the room or
on the second floor. A fire in the grate on the first floor could hardly have been
responsible. The house was practically of three stories, the dining room and kitchen
being on the first floor, the parlor, living room and bedrooms, occupied by Mr. Maffit on
the next, and four bedrooms and a bathroom on the third.

LARGE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE

Miss Maffit was in the maids room at the northwest corner of the top floor.
She had just had a five-gallon can of gasoline taken to the room for cleaning purposes and
she had been in the room only a few minutes when the explosion occurred. Mrs. Shauck was
in the room a the southwest corner of the house and Mrs. Wehmeier and her baby daughter were
in the room across the hall.

BURNED IN PUTTING OUT FLAMES

It was about 3:30 that they heard a sharp report. Immediately after the north
wall of Mrs. Shaucks room fell in. Mrs. Shauck and Mrs. Wehmeier rushed out into the hall
to meet Miss Maffit afire from head to foot, running to meet them. Mrs. Wehmeier picked up a
rug and wrapped it around her sister and Mrs. Shauck seized some heavy blankets and wrapped
them around her, too. Miss Maffit threw herself on a rug on the floor in an endeavor to help
them and they succeeded in extinguishing the flames. It was in helping Miss Maffit that both
the other women were burned.

Some men, attracted by the explosion, rushed up stairs and carried Miss Maffit
to the yard, where, in a few minutes, first aids were applied. Mrs. Wehmeier rushed into her
bed room and though her fingers were burned almost to the bone, picked up her baby and carried
her down stairs.

DRIVEN BACK INTO ROOM

In an instant the whole upstairs was in flames. Mrs. Shauck inhaled some of
the fumes and was driven back into her room. Almost suffocated, she raised a window, broke
out the screen, and climbed out on the roof of the porch, from which she was rescued in a short
time by Earl Anglin, a helper on a Decatur Ice Co. ice wagon, who brought a ladder to the house.
The upstairs burned quickly, but the flamers were slower in communicating themselves to the
downstairs. A great crowd, drawn by the fire, carried out much of the furniture, silver and
dishes of the lower floors. Everything on the top floor was consumed.

NOT ENOUGH WATER

The fire department, arriving shortly after 3:30 oclock was handicapped by
the lack of water. A small main, sufficient to supply the house and the barn was not large
enough for the firemen and there were no taps of sufficient size for the fire hose. Garden
hose was altogether too small to do much good. Not much could be accomplished by the chemical
engines.

The house was practically a wreck at 4 oclock, though it burned much longer.
The loss on the house is estimated at $3,000.

TERRIBLE SHOCK

Nothing In Years So Affected the Community

The death of Miss Georgia Maffit as a result of injuries sustained in the fire
that destroyed the family residence was such a shock as the community has not experienced
in a long time. The cause of the fire will perhaps never be known. The theory has been
advanced that soon after pouring out the gasoline and while the room was filled with fumes,
Miss Maffit probably stepped on a match. Had there been a gas jet burning in the room that
could have caused the explosion, but there was no light burning.

D.A. MAFFITT ABOUT

Mr. Maffitt today was able to leave the hospital and was down town awhile.
The excitement seemed to give him strength and he said that physically he was feeling better
than he had for a week or two. He is bearing up well under his misfortunes. He had
absolutely no plans at noon. He did not know where he would have a temporary stopping
place. He will probably be at the St. Nicholas for awhile, at least. Mrs. Wehmeier is still
at St. Marys hospital and will probably be there for several days. Mrs. Shauck is at the
family residence of J.B. Bullard as is also Miss Margaret Maffitt.

PLANS FOR FUNERAL

The body of Miss Maffitt was removed to the undertaking establishment of
Monson & Wilcox and prepared for burial. Wednesday morning the body will be removed to
the home of her grandmother, Mrs. Mary J. Usrey, 615 W. Prairie avenue, where the funeral
will be held at 2:30 Wednesday afternoon. The casket will not be opened at any time.

Dr. Joseph Miller of York, Pa., a cousin of D.A. Maffitt, will be here. Mrs.
Golden Danely Slaughter of Paris will get here tonight, and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Forman of
Bloomington will also arrive tonight.

NO WATER

The fire could have been extinguished but for the lack of water. The upper
portion of the house burned fast but the lower portion burned more slowly. The firemen
arrived in plenty of time to save the building had there been sufficient water. There is
no large water main there. A small pipe supplied city water to the house and barn, but
there was no fire plug closer than Cantrall street, which may be about half a mile away.

HELD IN CHECK

The fireman did the best they could. The chemical engines from No. 1 and
No. 2 hose houses were pressed into service, but alone they could not put out the fire.
They held it in check for some time, however.

FURNITURE CARRIED OUT

Employes about the place used garden hose in an effort to save the building,
but this was practically useless. After the two chemical engines were emptied there was
nothing further the firemen could do. While they worked and it was certain that the
house must go, neighbors carried out household goods and everything of value and they
succeeded in saving practically all of the furniture and everything else in the lower
part of the house.

FAMOUS HOME

The Maffit place has been known to everybody in Macon county for the
past sixty years. The house was built many years ago and its framce was of oak. It
was a land mark, but it was an exceptionally good residence, one of the best in that
part of the city. It had been remodeled and made modern and was an exceedingly homelike
and hospitable place. It was exceedingly well built and was worth $5,000. It probably
could not be replaced for more than that amount. The insurance is about $2,500.

The house was built by Robert Maffitt, father of D.A. Maffit, and the
materials used in its construction were mostly white oak and walnut, which in those
days grew abundantly in the neighborhood. Robert Maffit had a saw mill operated by
water power, and at this mill he sawed out the lumber for the house. It was all
especially selected and well seasoned. Such building materials could hardly be
bought now.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 7 Sep 1909

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH KILLED WHEN AUTOMOBILES COLLIDE

Franklin Cloyd, 15, Dies On Way to Hospital; Companion Injured

DRIVER UNHURT

Franklin Cloyd, 15 years old, High school pupil, was killed Sunday afternoon at
2:30 o'clock in an automobile collision in North Calhoun street and East Leafland avenue. He
died on the way to St. Mary's hospital.

William Mattson, 17 years old, also a pupil of the high school was seriously
injured in the same accident. Melvin Smith, 15, another pupil, who was driving the car in
which the Cloyd and Mattson boys were riding, escaped without a scratch. His car collided
with one driven by Alfred hill, 919 North Charles street. Hill and a friend riding with him
were not hurt. Both cars were damaged.

INTERURBAN CREW HELPS

An interurban passenger train stopped in the intersection, and members of the
train crew rendered assistance. Moran's ambulance arrived at the scene of the accident after
it happened. The Cloyd boy was found lying against the side of a building, still alive. William
(Billy) Mattson was lying near, unconscious. Melvin Smith was on his feet, but dazed. The
ambulance took the three boys to the hospital. Cloyd died a few minutes after being lifted
into the ambulance.

RECEIVED SEVERAL FRACTURES

He had received three fractures of the jaw, a broken left leg and left shoulder
and an injury to his neck. The Mattson boy's head and ankle were hurt and he received severe
bruises and cuts, and possible internal injuries. He remained in St. Mary's. Monday afternoon
his condition was regarded as satisfactory. Melvin Smith went home after reporting the incident
to police headquarters.

Young Smith told the police that he had had a year's driving experience. He is
the son of Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Smith, 4 South Drive. He is a sophomore in the high school, as
was Franklin Cloyd. Mattson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Mattson, 1632 North College
street. Franklin Cloyd's parents are Mr. and Mrs. T.F. Cloyd, 874 West Grand avenue.

TO CONDUCT INQUEST

Franklin Cloyd's body was taken to Moran's funeral home and the family was notified
of the death. The boy'd father identified the body. Coroner Roy M. Dawson opened an inquiry
into the death. An inquest will be conducted, probably Tuesday.

Franklin Cloyd was born May 31, 1915, in Decatur. He attended Decatur grade
schools, the Roosevelt Junior High school and the high school. He was popular among his classmates
and teachers and took a leading part in school activities as a violinist and orchestra member.
He was a member of Gamma Tau fraternity in the high school.

ATTENDED MUSIC COLLEGE

He was an accomplished musician. He attended the Decatur College of Music for
three years. He was a member of the Grace Methodist church and formerly was a Boy Scout.
He was a newspaper carrier. Franklin Cloyd leaves his parents, four brothers and a sister.
The brothers are George, Charles, Lorenzo and William, all of Decatur. The sister is Ellen
Cloyd, also of Decatur.

Decatur Herald, 19 Mar 1931

STRUCK BY A TRAIN

"Badge" Stevens a Frozen Corpse - Found on the Railroad

THE BODY DISCOVERED IN THE SNOW

Deceased was a Son of Old Settler, Joe Stevens - Intoxicated and on His Way
Home He Met his Death Last Night

Daniel Stevens, familiarly known as "Badge" Stevens, was accidnetally killed
at some unknown hour last night while on his way to his cabin home in the vicinity of the
Bundy sawmill across the Sangamon river, south and west of the St. Louis bridge. His
frozen body was found at an early hour this morning about 30 feet below the West Main
street crossing of the Wabash, lying alongside the railroad track. The back of his head
was crushed in and there was every indication that he had been struck by a train, while
on his way to the river to cross the bridge. Where the body lay the snow was tramped
down considerably. Possibly Stevens was not instantly killed. He may have attempted
to get up, and failing to succeed, he lay there and froze to death.

Coroner Bendure was on his way to Mount Zion at 6 o'clock this morning to
attend the funeral of the late Thomas Smith, when he got word from home by telephone that
he was watned to take charge of the body of Stevens. The coroner sent word to Undertaker
Brintlinger to go out after the body, and he would arrive from Mt. Zion this afternoon and
hold the inquest. The body is now at the undertaker's room.

It is learned that Badge Stevens, who was about 50 years of age and much
addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors, was in Decatur yesterday and last night as late
as nine o'clock, in company with James Warnick, he was in May Bros.' grocery store. Both
men were drunk. Stevens had to hold on to the counter as he passed out of the store.
That is the last seen of Stevens alive in the city so far as known. It is supposed that
Stevens had started for hom, and that while he was passing down the railroad track and
staggering along, he was struck by one of the three passenger trains wich came in after
9 o'clock. Stevens must have stepped off the track in the snow as the train approached.
He may have staggered or fallen over to be struck on the head as the train passed him.
Possibly the exact manner of his death will never be known. When and where Stevens parted
company with Warnick cannot be ascertained at this hour. The two men were last seen together
at May Bros.' store. Warnick is employed at the Bundy saw mill.

Badge Stevens was a son of the late Joseph Stevens, who for many years was
known as the oldest settler of Macon county. Deceased's step mother, who was the second
wife of Joseph, is now making her home with F.M. Cunningham. He was the father of three
grown daughters who are married. "Badge" was a character in his way. He was personally
known to many old residents. He was his own worst enemy, and he knew it, but the drink
habit had such a grip on him that he could not or would not quit.

HAD JUST TWO CENTS

At 6 o'clock Stevens and Warnick entered May Bros.' store and wanted to get
some goods on credit, but Will Cox, the salesman, was in the store alone, and said he had
no orders to give them credit and they would have to call when the proprietors were in.
They came back about 9 o'clock, and Warnick had a talk with Davis May. Both men were so
drunk that they could scarcely make themselves understood. Waarnick wanted credit for
about 90 cents. Stevens had a log of silver money in his right hand, and Davis said that
he didn't believe they wanted anything, if they did Stevens had money and could pay for
it. At that time Sevens was going out of the door, and Warnick said: "All I've got is
15 cents," and then went out. They did not return to the store. When Stevens was disrobed
this forenoon he had but two cents on his person; no silver whatever.

FATED BROTHERS

Death by accident seems to have run in the Stevens family. Along in the 60's
a brother of Badge met his death in a tragic manner when he fell down the covered stairway
at the old Germainia Hall, on South Main street, the fall breaking his neck. This brother
had just recovered from small-pox. He was given to drink like Badge, and when he got our
he visted his old haunts and met his death shortly afterwards in the manner described.

Decatur Daily Republican, 21 Jan 1892

A SUICIDE

Ephraim Harkrader, living four miles south of Maroa, committed suicide
yesterday morning by shooting himself in the head, with a ball from a 32 caliber revolver.
The ball went in front and above the right ear. Dr. McLean was called. He probed for the
ball, but failed to remove it, it passing entirely through the brain. Mr. Harkrader was
forty-seven years old, unmarried, and wealthy, but lately has had business cares which taxed
his mind to the utmost. He was seen by his sister a few minutes before he committed the
deed, sitting with his head resting upon his hands as is in deep study. When she passed
into another room, she immediately afterward heard the report of the pistol. She ran to
the room and found him weltering in blood, with the weapon by his side. He lived about
two hours, but was not conscious during the time. Mr. Harkrader had many warm friends in
this vicinity, and his death has caused a gloom that will not soon be dispelled. he leaves
relatives who depended upon him for support that none but he could give, and when his
generous heart failed to beat this morning, their hope died in their breasts.

THE CORONER'S INQUEST

Coroner John Dinneen was called to hold an inquest over the body of Ephraim
Harkrader, who lives one mile west of Emery, and who had killed himself by a shot from a
revolver about 6:30 yesterday morning. The testimony before the coroner's jury was as
follows.

Margaret Colloway, testified that she was the deceased's sister. I was in
the kitchen. He called to me and told me he would give me $1150, of Nancy's money, and
afterwards said he would give it to her. He asked me if I would give my note to her in
Ohio and I said I would. I went out to the pump and saw him sit down on a chair and rest
his chin on his hands. In a few minutes i heard the report of a revolver and I said "My
God that's Eph." Then I went to his room and found him lying on the lounge, with his
head turned to the left. A revolver was laying on his breast close to his right hand.
A bottle of laudunum was laying on his breast. It was a four ounce bottle about one-fourth
full.

Mary V. Harkrader testified that, "I reside in Maroa township; I was not
in the room at the time the shot was fired. I came into the room with Mrs. Calloway.
Ephraim Harkrader was laying on the lounge with his revolver in his right hand, near his
neck. A bottle of laudunum was laying on his breast with the cork out. It was about one
fourth full. I raised him up and knocked the weapon out of his hand. He did not speak
after the shot, and lived about one hour and a half after the shot was fired.

R.C. Harkrader, brother of the deceased, testified that he resided at Emery,
Illinois, I was not present when the shot was fired. I found him laying on the lounge
breathing with much difficulty. My aunt gave me the revolver, which had four loads in
it. One chamber was empty. I took the other four loads out. The shooting occurred about
half past six o'clock, on the morning of the 25th August, 1882.

After hearing the evidence the coroner's jury returned the following
verdict:

STATE OF ILLINOIS,

Macon County,

In the matter of the inquisition on the body of Henry E. Harkrader deceased,
held at Maroa tonwship, on the twenty-fifth day of August, A.D. 1882.

We, the undersigned, jurors, sworn to inquire of the death of Henry E.
Harkrader, on oath do find that he came to his death by a shot from a pistol held in
his own hand, whilst under the influence of laudanum, and being temporarily insane, about
half past six o'clock a.m., this twenty-fifth day of August, A.D. 1882, in Maroa township,
Macon county, state of Illinois.

A man named Geo. Kressler, who resided about twelve miles northwest of this
city, died yesterday under the most distressing circumstances. On Tuesday evening he was
working with his gun, both barrels of which were loaded with buckshot. He had taken the
precaution to remove the caps, but by some unaccountable means the load went off, entering
his knee cap and mutlilating it in a terrible manner. The physicians who were called in
found that the limb could not be saved and accordingly amputated it, but the unfortunate
man died in a few hours. He leaves a wife and children.

Decatur Republican, 19 Mar 1868

Last night, between eight and nine o'clock, Andrew M. Wheeler rushed into
Kain's grocery store, on the South side of the New Square, exclaiming that he had been
run over by a wagon and was killed. He fell down and died in a few minutes. The Coroner
was immediately notified and a jury summoned. An examination of the body revealed no
marks or bruises, but the evidence of several parties convinced the jury that the statement
of the dying man was correct, and a verdict was rendered accordingly. The deceased was a
son of ex-Sheriff Wheeler, and had served three years in the army. He was about 35 years
of age.

Decatur Republican, 2 Jan 1868

IDENTIFICATION OF THE BODY FOUND IN THE SANGAMON

The dead body found in the Sangamon river Thursday evening proved to be
that of Charles Chandler, foreman in the Wabash truck department. Coroner Bendure went
to the river east of Sangamon station early yesterday morning and held the inquest there.

The men who found the body testified that they first saw a man's hat, and
a little farther up the river the body of a man without a coat. They tied the body to a
tree, where it stayed until the coroner arrived there yesterday morning. The pants pockets
were filled with rocks.

Thursday afternoon Chandler was seen for the last time walking across the
bridge. The verdict of the jury was that the deceased had come to his death by drowning.

Chandler was 34 years old and single and lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Alfred Chandler at 404 East Bradford street. He commenced Sunday to take the drink cure.
Thursday forenoon he was at the shop as usual and apparently in as good spirits as usual.
In the afternoon he passed the office window a little after 1 o'clock and as the clerks
glanced out he made a gesture of the hand which they interpreted to mean that he had been
getting another injection. He left the shop between 3 and 4 o'clock without speaking to
any one, a thing which he was not accustomed to do. There was nothing in his conduct to
occasion alarm in the minds of his associates.

His mother received the following lett dated Nov. 17 through the post office
yesterday morning

"DEAR MOTHER - I can stand it no longer. I tried as hard as I could to
give it up. Give my love to all. Draw my money and do the best you can with it. It's
been a hard struggle to give it up. I take the coward's way. You will find my body near
the Wabash bridge east of town. Your poor unfortunate son, CHARLIE CHANDLER"

The body was brought to Decatur but the time for the funeral has not yet
been arranged. The father of the young man is in Chicago and was expected here last
night.

The Daily Review, 19 Nov 1892

BURNED SO THAT SHE DIED

Mary Abrams Injured By An Exploding Lamp

Piercing screams aroused the neighborhood of Mason and Water streets at 11
last night. Those who tumbled out of bed and hurried to their windows saw flames coming
from the home of Mrs. Mary Abrams at 315 East Mason street. It is almost alone on that
side of the street, hid away between factories. Screams alone from that house would not
have attracted much attention, because they have been frequent, but the sight of the flames
soon caused all who saw them to hurry to the house.

Charley Kemper was about the first man to get to the house. He reached the
back door, having crossed the railroad from Cerro Gordo street. A terrible sight met his
eyes as he went through the kitchen into the front room. The room was lighted by burning
furniture and clothing, while in the center stood a woman perfectly naked, with her skin
apparently burned off from head to foot. On the floor at her feet were the charred scraps
of her night clothing and pieces of burned flesh that had dropped from her blistered body.
She was still screaming at the top of her voice, and throwing her arms in distracted but
futile way.

Mr. Kemper threw off his coat, wrapped the woman in sheets from the open bed
in the room, bot her to the bed and then went to work to see what he could do to relieve
her sufferings. He soon found a sack of meal and at once began to apply it to the woman's
wounds.

Officer Connard came a few minutes after Mr. Kempter. He had heard the screams
while on Water street. After these persons had been there almost an hour Bill Blake came
with Dr. Rukenbrod. Blake explained that the woman was his mother, Mrs. Mary Abrams. Dr.
Rukenbrod made a hasty examination and found that she was

BURNED FROM HEAD TO FOOT

There was scarcely a spot on her body that was not blistered and in places cooked
to a depth of an inch or more. The only spot left uncooked was on her back, about the size of
one's hand, and one foot. In many places the flesh came off in great pieces.

The doctor says the woman cannot get well. If one third of the skin is burned,
recovery is possible. In this case all of the skin is burned and the woman has inhaled the
flames. She suffered terribly until she was relieved by the hypodermic injections of morphine.
Now she is conscious and seemingly resting easy.

BILL BLAKE SAID

"I had just stepped away from the house and had not been gone two minutes
when I heard her screams. I ran back and found her standing in the porch, with her clothes
all on fire and nearly burned off, and the house was burning in places. I threw a jar of
water on her and then took off my big overcoat and wrapped it around her. It put of the
fire in the house, and just then Kemper came and I went after the doctor. I was so long
because no one would come. I went to Dr. Lee and Dr. Farmer and they would not come.
Then I went to Dr. Rukenbrod."

Blake said when he went out the lamp was on the safe lighted. When he came
back he found it near the door some feet away with the top broken out, as if it had blown
out. Bottles on the safe were broken. The wall was burning and the door frame was scorched.
That was some distance from where the lamp was found. Mrs. Abrams said she was in bed when
the lamp exploded and in trying to throw it out her clothes caught fire.

A SUSPICION

There was a strong suspicion among them that the lamp was broken by Blake in
beating his mother, but this does not seem to be substantiated by the circumstances. He
did not seem to be drunk, claims to be taking the Keely treatment from Dr. Farmer, and tells
a pretty straight story. The broken bottles on the safe where the lamp stood he accounts for
in attempting to put out the fire.

The neighbors say that Bill Blake's record is not a good one and that on many
occasions his mother has fled to their houses for protection. On one occasion Officer Connard
heard her screaming and rushing to her assistance had to attack Blake to save her life. The
neighbors were not surprised therefore when they heard the screams last night and might not
have been so prompt in going to her assistance as they would have been otherwise.

SHE IS DEAD

Mrs. Abrams died about 2 o'clock this morning. Officers examined the place,
but found nothing to justify an arrest and made none.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 31 May 1892

SHE WAS SO HAPPY

Poor Mary Abrams Just Had Promise of Better Days

Mary Abrams, the woman who burned to death Monday night, has had a hard
life. She lived for years with her son, Bill Blake, whose principal occupation has been
getting into trouble with the authorities. He abused her frightfully when he was
drinking and drove her from the house often when she had just made some sacrifice for
him. Only Monday she met one of her neighbors on the street. Her face was smiling,
and she seemed happier than she had been for months.

"Oh, I am so happy," she exclaimed. "Bill began taking the Farmer treatment
today. I know he will be cured, and then he will reform. I think he will be something
yet. We have had lots of hard times, but I think the worst are past."

At night, when she was so frightfully burned, she spoke several times with
the greatest kindness to Bill and about him. Once she said, "Bill, I am afraid you will
soon be left alone. You won't have anybody to wait on you then."

That was the only words she spoke that indicated she expected to die. About
herself she did not seem to care. All her thoughts were of Bill. Once some time ago she
was asked why she did not leave him. She said she was afraid he would go to the penitentiary
if she did. She she staid with him, and struggled to keep the miserable home for him.

She had cousins here and had a daughter who lives in Kansas. Word came
yesterday that the daughter could not come here because her children were sick.

After the accident the burned woman told two or three neighbors that she saw
the lamp burning strangely and started to throw it out. It exploded in her hands.

Mary Abrams was never married.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 1 Jun 1892

KICKED BY A HORSE

From the Gazette, we learn the details of a serious accident that
occurred last Saturday afternoon. It appears that a man by the name of Henry Abrams was
standing talking to a friend who was sitting in his wagon in front of the St. Nicholas
Hotel, when a couple of horses came running up the street. Abrams went to the rear of
the wagon to secure a horse tied there. He reached the horse about the time the horses
were passing, but before he had secured him, the horse wheeled and kicked, as is supposed,
at the passing horses, but instead the man was kicked in the breast, and was rendered
insensible for a few moments. He was carried into a business house near by, and medical
assistance sent for. Although the skin was not broken, he suffered terribly, and fears
are entertained that he is injure internally.

Decatur Republican, 2 Jul 1868

WILLIAM MIXELL HIT BY A TRAIN

Dear Man Walking on Track Near Warrensburg Instantly Killed

Warrensburg, Ills., May 2 - William Mixell, a carpenter 39 years old was instantly
killed by the west bound passenger train Monday morning at 5:10 o'clock about a mile and a half _ west
of Warrensburg.

HE WAS DEAF

Mixell, who was entirely deaf had started early to go to his work several miles
from town and walked on the railroad track as it was nearere and better walking. The train that
struck him is due here at 2:45 a.m. but this morning was two hours or more late. Mixell no doubt
supposed the train had gone on time and consequently wasn't watching for it.

SEEN BY TRAIN MEN

When Mixell was first seen by the train men the train was running at the rate of
fifty miles an hour, having received a great _ in _ the heavy grade just west of town. The whistle
was sounded but as the man did not seem to hear it the air brakes were applied and the speed of the
train was reduced to _ thirty five miles an hour when it struck Mixell, knocking him a distance of
twenty feet or more, breaking his legs and bruising his head the other parts of the body badly.

The train did no cross over the body and that saved it from mutilation. The train
was stopped and the body put on and the train backed up to Warrensburg. The remains were then
taken to Willard's undertaking rooms to await the arrival of the coroner.

FAMILY'S GRIEF

This sad accident has cast a gloom over the community as the dead man was well liked
and was a hard working and law abiding citizen. He leaves a wife, and two little girls. Their
grief upon hearing of their cruel bereavement was pitiable to behold. The deceased also has
an aged father, two brothers and a sister who live in this vicinity. The sister is the wife
of Parker Beall of this place.

ONLY A FEW FEET MORE

One of the saddest features of the accident was that Mixell was only a short
distance from the point where he would have left the railroad track to proceed north on a
wagon road to his work.

INQUEST

Coroner Buxton held an inquest at Warrensburg Monday morning. The evidence
showed that the trainmen whistled and tried to stop but that the man did not hear and was
struck. The _ was in accordance with the facts given here.

David Mixell, a brother, John Batchelder, and P.A. Albert who saw the train
strike him, Station Agent Horton and Mrs. Mixell, the wife were before the jury. The wife
showed that he was in usual spirits and that if he had heard the whistle he would have
gotten off the track. The jury was as follows: C.F. Bullard, W.H. Bond, Dr. W.A. Melton,
J.H. Cook, Philip Pauman and Victor Dewein.

The Daily Review (Decatur), 29 May 1905

SUICIDE OF MRS. J.K. PECK

Tragedy in Oakley Township at 10 O'Clock To-Day

Temporary Insanity the Cause of the Act - The Inquest - Details of the Dead

A shocking tragedy occurred this forenoon at 10 o'clock at the home of Thomas
Chambers, in Oakley township, 3 1/2 miles northwest of Cerro Gordo, when Mrs. James K. Peck,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chambers, took her own life by shooting herself through the head with
a revolver.

Mrs. Peck was 30 years of age and was the mother of three children, who with the
husband are left to mourn her untimely death. The lady had not been in good health for several
years. She was morose and gloomy, and could not be induced to cheer up and look on the bright
side of life. Her mind of late had been affected to such an extent that her husband, relatives
and friends thought it best to have her under surveillance as much as possible. The Peck home
is a mile and a quarter north of the Chambers place. This morning Mrs. Peck left her home to
visit her father, possibly with the secret resolve to end her earthly career. She manifested
no such intention on arriving at the Chambers place and greeted her people much the same as
usual. While the family were down stairs, Mrs. Peck went to the upper rooms which were
unoccupied. She entered one which was used by the hired man. In a trunk in that room Mrs.
Peck found a loaded revolver belonging to the man, and in that room alone, with her father
and other near relatives downstairs, the wife and mother placed the muzzle of the weapon to
her right temple and fired the fatal shot, death resulting within 30 minutes after the body
fell and before Dr. Ellis could reach the house.

The report of the pistol and the fall of the body sent the entire family
upstairs and into the room of death. They arrived too late. The deed was done, and the
leaden bullet had accomplished its work. Upon the floor lay the body of the suicide and
near her right hand was the smoking revolver. Mrs. Peck did not speak nor make any sign.
Her life went out in a short time and she was at rest.

Coroner Bendure was summoned by telephone to hold an inquest and he left for
Cerro Gordo this afternoon on the Effingham train to conduct the legal inquisition. It was
a plain case of suicide. Such will be the verdict of the jury.

Decatur Daily Republican, 9 Oct 1891

The Peck Inquest

Coroner Bendure has returned from Oakley township where, at the house of Thomas
Chambers, he held an inquest on the body of Mrs. Margaret Peck, wife of James K. Peck, who shot
herself in the head with a revolver. The only witnesses were Effie Folrath, Anna Bezcher and
Dr. J.C. Ellis. Miss Folrath was up stairs in the hall when she heard the report of the pistol;
she went to the door and saw Mrs. Peck on the floor with the revolver in her hand, smoke still
issuing from the barrel. That was about all the evidence. The jury, composed of Chris Minick,
J.C. Peck, John McFarland, W.A. Weison, Peter Marsh and Hanson Peck, returned a verdict that Mrs.
Peck "came to her death by a pistol shot from her own hand, with suicidal intent."

Decatur Daily Republican, 10 Oct 1891

RESULT OF A FRIGHT

Further Particulars about the Sad Suicide in Oakley Township

In the Monticello Herald of this week appears the following interesting
explanation of the probable cause which led to the suicide of Mrs. Margaret Peck:

Mrs. James K. Peck, daughter of Thos. Chambers, one of the pioneers of Central
Illinois, committed suicide by shooting herself, about 11 o'clock, Friday forenoon. She
had for some time been troubled with the hallucination that she and her family would starve
to death. She attempted suicide once before, but was prevented from doing so. The most
careful guard has been kept over her for some time, but while spending a few days with her
father's family she found a pistol which belonged to Mr. Chambers' hired man, and she used
it with fatal result. She was dead in twenty minutes after the shot was fired, and thus
the sad ending of a noble woman, one who was noted for her kind heart and cheerful
disposition. Her trouble was very probably the effect of a terrible fright she received
while in Boston attending the reunion last year. She and her husband, with many others,
were out on a sail and there came very near being a wreck of the vessel, and Mrs. Peck was
so badly frightened that it was almost impossible to pacify her. Mr. James K. Peck, who
lives near Cerro Gordo in Macon county, the husband of the unfortunate lady, is prosperous
and is well thought of by everyone. He is a man who is thoroughly devoted to his family.
Since his wife's ailment he has done everything in his power to find relief for her. He
and his three little motherless children and her father's family have the sympathy of
all who know them.

Decatur Daily Republican, 15 Oct 1891

CUTTING AFFRAY AT BLUE MOUND

William Gross, a Saloon Keeper, Fatally Stabbed in the Side by W.E. Westbrook

The Assailant Held to Answer Without Bail

A cutting affray occurred in the Gross saloon at Blue Mound at 10 o'clock
this forenoon, which cannot fail to result in the death of the proprietor of the place,
William GROSS, who was raised in the town and has a family.

The assailant was W.E. Westbrook, a young man who resides some miles west of
the town. The particulars of the affray as they came to us to-day are about as follows:
WESTBROOK went into the saloon and engaged GROSS in talking. He charged GROSS with having
sold liquor to a minor residing west of the town, and said that if he would put up $25 he
(WESTBROOK) would not say anything about it. GROSS denied the charge, whereupon there was
an altercation, during which WESTBROOK pulled out a pocket-knife with a long blade and
stabbed GROSS in the left side, severing a rib and penetrating the lung. GROSS fell
bleeding to the floor, and WESTBROOK was promptly arrested. The prisoner had an examination
before Justice KETCHAM and was ordered committed to the county jail without bail. He will
be brought to Decatur this evening.

Mr. Gross was attended by Drs. HARVEY and FOSTER. They say he cannot recover.
GROSS is about 35 years of age.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT

Blue Mound, Ill., July 2 - A serious stabbing affray took place here this
morning about 10 o'clock between a young fellow named WESTBROOK and Wm. GROSS. WESTBROOK,
whose home is near Grove City, has been in town a couple of days and has been trying to blackmail
the Gross Bros., saying they had sold him liquor and if they didn't put up he would blow on them.
GROSS is cut in the left breast near the heart. The doctors say the wound is likely to prove
fatal. WESTBROOK is in charge of the officers. He is about 18 years of age and bears an
unsavory reputation. The town in in a fever of excitement.

Decatur Daily Repulbican, 2 Jul 1887

THE TRAGEDY

William GROSS, who was stabbed in the left breast by W.E. WESTBROOK on Saturday
forenoon at Blue Mound, is yet alive, but is in a very critical condition. Dr. BUCK, of
Springfield, was called to see GROSS to-day. He examined him and gave it as his opinion that
the wounded man had but a slim chance to recover. He may die in a few days. WESTBROOK was
brought to Decatur Saturday night and put in jail. The dying statement of GROSS has been reduced
to writing by E.T. CLEMENTS. It is to the effect that WESTBROOK had attempted to extort $25 from
him on a charge of selling liquor to a minor, the assailant proposing to keep quiet if he was
given the money. When GROSS spoke to him about the change on the street, WESTBROOK stabbed him
in the side, cutting him through a rib into the lung. Had not WESTBROOK been removed, it is
asserted that he would have been lynched. There are threats made at Blue Mound of forcibly
taking the prisoner from the jail and hanging him to the nearest tree in Decatur.

Last evening between 5 and 6 o'clock Geroge Weaver, the bright little son
of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Weaver, aged three years, was shot in the breast and almost died
instantly by a glancing bullet fired from a 22-calibre pistol in the hands of Will Chenoweth,
son of Dr. Cass Chenoweth. Little Georgie, in company with his older brother, Frank, was on
top of a chicken coop at the rear of the Weaver lot on West Main street, adjoining the Chenoweth
residence. They had been playing on the shed and had some bread and a book with them. The shed
was built close to the high board fence, the top of which is about 18 inches higher than the
shed. In the Chenoweth lot lying near the coal house, and about 14 feet west and south of
where the Weaver children were playing, was an old cove oyster can. It had served in the past
as a target for rifle and pistol practice, in which members of the Chenoweth family and the
boarders at the Weaver house had participated the past few years.

It was while the two little boys were on the shed that Will Chenoweth appeared
at the third story window of his home with the small pistol in his hand. Seeing the children
near the fence, he called to them to look out. The little boys got out of danger by lying down
on the shed and covering themselves with a shawl. Two shots were fired from the pistol, when
the lads got up quickly and leaned over the fence to see what had been hit. Young Chenoweth
fired again just at this moment, the ball striking some hard substance near the oyster can,
rebounding and striking little Georgie just below the breast bone at the depression above the
stomach. The boy fell over on the shed, screaming with pain. His father hurried to the scene,
as did also Will Chenoweth, who was terrified at what had occurred. The wounded boy was picked
up by his father and as soon as possible borne into the Weaver residence, where he died. Drs.
W.J. Chenoweth and Cass Chenoweth were with the boy before he died, but could not do anything
for him. The would was made by a flatened bullet, and had ranged upward, thus proving
conclusively that the bullet had rebounded from the point described - but from what point
is a matter of speculation. The firing was witnessed by at least six persons. It was purely
accidental, and is generally deplored by the friends of all the parties. The grief of the
parents of the little boy was pitiful to behold, while the sorrow of the author of Georgie's
death was plainly apparent.

Coroner Perl held an inquest. The jurymen were W.W. Foster, R.C. Ringland, W.H.
Bailey, D.F. Hubbert, G.W. Worden and H.K. Midkiff. The nature of the wound was described by
the Drs. Chenoweth, and I.F. Harlan testified that at the time of the shooting the boys were
about 20 feet out of range of the bullets that were fired from the pistol.

Will Chenoweth testified: I shot from the upper window of my father's house with
a pistol, at a can in the rear of the lot: I only shot two or three times; the child was on
the fence at the side of the lot; he raised up and cried a little and then sat down on the
shed on which his feet were resting; the child was 15 or 20 feet east and north of the object
at which I was firing; the can lay about six inches in front of some pieces lying on the
ground against the coal shed, and i was shooting from the third story window of my father's
house; after the child cired I laid the pistol down and ran down to where the child was; they
were looking over the fence, west; I had frequently warned them away while shooting at the
target.

The verdict was: "We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire of the death
of George Weaver, on oath do find that he came to his death by the result of a bullet wound
in the upper part of his abdomen, fired from a pistol in the hands of W.J. Chenoweth, jr., and
we further find from the evidence that the shooting was purely accidental and W.J. Chenoweth,
jr. should be exonerated from all blame.

It was a very distressing accident, and is another warning that however expert one
may be with firearms, and however careful parties may be in handling them, accidents causing
death and remorse will occur. The shocking death of little Georgie is another warning to
parents and children. Will this sad lesson prove one of profit to the people generally?

The funeral of the deceased took place this afternoon.

Decatur Republican, 6 Apr 1888

James FINLEY, Janitor, Victim of Ill Fortune

Now In Pest House

J.R. POGUE Believes Money Will Be Recovered

Grim and forbidding fortune dogs the footsteps of James FINLEY, until recently
custodian of St. Patrick's church in this city. Not long ago he was taken sick with smallpox
and has since made his quarters at the city pest house.

To make matters worse, Mr. FINLEY was informed by telephone several days ago that
most of his life's savings had probably been lost through the filing of judgement notes against
J.R. BEAN, the Sullivan trader and financier. Mr. FINLEY believes that Sullivan is his Jonah
town for he is of the opinion that he contracted his smallpox attack while attending the Masonic
dedication there.

Among the fifty or sixty others who loaned money to Mr. BEAN was Mr. FINLEY whose
donation to the "explosion" was exactly $735, or the representation of many long years' work.

Was Exasperated

"Hivin help us, John POGUE," shouted Mr. FINLEY over the pest house phone when he
was notified that his loan had gone up with the rest. "What next can the fiend bring upon me. Go
and get my money and the saints be with ye. I cannot move feet from this place."

Saved His Money

Mr. FINLEY is a hard working, long suffering man of peace. He has long kept St.
Patrick's church and the parish house spick and span for many years, working steadily day after
day and saving all of his small salary that could possibly be laid away. He has seen it grow up
painfully through the years even though for some time past he has been taking care of his sister.
Some of his savings were called out to settle debts of the family, but a neat little nest egg
for declining years was left and subsequently loaned to "Dick" BEAN who gave Mr. FINLEY the same
sort of note that he gave his other creditors.

Was Last Straw

Everything ran smoothly until the big Masonic dedication in Sullivan some weeks ago.
He went with the crowd and returned home to develop a fine case of smallpox. There is no medical
authority in the country that can convince him the case did not come directly from his lurking ill
luck in Sullivan. As soon as the case developed he was hurried to the pest house and had a hard
fight with the disease. He has been there for more than three weeks.

Will Recover It

"I think it likely that Jim will recover most of his money," said Mr. POGUE Thursday,
"and I know we will do all we can for him. Jim of course cannot see the humor in this situation
and I can sympathize with his feelings. It is understood that if a trustee is appointed to
handle the case, the notes in question will be taken up."

In the mean time James FINLEY is caged in the pest house awaiting the moment when
the doors will open to him and he can go forth on the track of his "seven hundred". With the
help of authorities it should be recovered without much difficulty.

Decatur Review, 12 August 1915

Thursday night, the farm house of Samuel MYERS in Long Creek township was destroyed
by fire, nearly all of the contents going up in smoke. Insured for $600 in the Farmers' Mutual
company.

Decatur Weekly Republican, 3 April 1887

Mrs. Samuel MYERS, living near North Fork church, east of the city, met with a
serious accident Thursday. She fell on the ice and broke her hip joint. Mrs. MYERS is 75 years
old and the accident may result seriously with her.

Decatur Weekly Republican, 30 December 1897

A Fatal Explosion

From Supervisor RUDDOCK, of Whitmore township, who called at our
office we learn that, at Reed's steam saw mill, two miles north of Oakley,
yesterday morning, about eight o'clock, the boiler bursted and the
engineer, whose name is Jesse FULK, was instantly killed. Mr. REED, the
owner of the mill had one of his legs badly broken, while the sawyer J. B.
HARROUFF, had his head badly cut by a piece of iron. Dr. CHENOWETH of
Oreana, was summoned, and set Mr. REED'S limb and dressed Mr. HARROUFF'S
wound. In the explosion, the engine was thrown clear back to the saw, a
distance of twenty feet, while the building itself was badly shattered.
The deceased engineer has a brother, Amos FULK, residing on Wood street of this city.

J. H. Price, West Decatur Street, Got a Gruesome
Package on Christmas Day.
THE LETTER CAME IN LATER
Box Containing Remains of Father Who Had Been Dead 50 Years.

J. R. PRICE living on West Decatur Street, received a rather
gruesome Christmas package on the day before Christmas. About 3 o'clock in
the afternoon the expressman delivered a box about fourteen inches square
and twenty inches long containing the remains of his father who died and was
buried over fifty years ago back in Ohio. A letter stating that the box had
been shipped arrived about an hour later and just in time to prevent the
opening it to ascertain the contents.

Mr. PRICE'S father, John PRICE, died August 14, 1849 and was buried
in the cemetery of Seven Mile, Ohio, Butler county. In the half century
since that time the town has grown out to the old church which was finally
torn down and the churchyard and cemetery was recently platted and sold into
lots. The family moved to this part of Illinois in 1856 and the children
made arrangement with a relative to attend to the disinterment and send the
remains to Decatur to be buried by the side of Mrs. PRICE who died in 1884
and is buried in Mt. Gilead cemetery.

Mr. EDWARDS attended to the work Monday and shipped the box and
Tuesday wrote to Mr. PRICE advising him of its arrival but the letter got
here last. Mr. EDWARDS in his letter said that at the same time eight other
members of the family was disinterred and while all had been buried a long
time ago only the bones and dust remained, a sister was buried thirty years
ago in a silk dress which was found to be just as fresh as the day it was
put away.

Of eleven children of John PRICE eight are still living and seven
resides in Macon Co. A group picture was taken about two years ago and at
that time the youngest was over fifty years old, and the oldest will
celebrate his 80th birthday this year. The children are: Henry W. of
Carroll, Ind., B. F. PRICE of this city, Mrs. B. A. NEYHARD of Wheatland
twp., Mrs. Margret FOSTER and J. R. PRICE of this city, W. H. PRICE of
Wheatland twp., Mrs. N. M. BAKER and Mrs. Mary E. HOPKINS of this city.

Lester REED, 448 1/2 South Broadway, a conductor on a depot street car
was serious injured Sunday night when he was caught between to cars in a
rear end collision. His left leg was crushed and he was cut and bruised
otherwise. He was removed to St. Mary's hospital in Moran's ambulance
where it was found necessary to amputate the injured leg.

Power Cut Off

The accident occured at Jackson and North streets. The Depot car in
charge of Motorman HENLOW and REED had stopped to discharge passengers.
The car stopped with the trolley directly on the circuit breaker on the
overhead line. The power was thus cut off. REED supposed that the trolley
had jumped the wire and got out to put it back on. He saw an Eldorado car
approaching but paid no attention to it, thinking it would stop.

Motorman A. F. GIBBS, in charge of the Eldorado car was slow in
applying the brakes as he had not figured on the other car stopping at that
place. Before he could bring his car to a halt it crashed into the Depot
car catching REED between the bumpers.

Thrown from Seats

The brakes were set on the head car but in spite of that it was pushed
ten feet carrying REED between them. There were few passengers at the time
but they were thrown from their seats by the shock. None of the passengers
were injured, however the windows in both the front and rear of the Depot
car were broken but otherwise the two cars were uninjured.

REED was resting eaisly at last reports from the hospital and unless
unexpected complications develop he should recover without difficulty,
although the shock was severe.

Rev. John RITCHIE of Warrensburg, whose house was burned July 4, suffered quite a
loss. The fire happened just at supper and was caused by children playing with firecrackers in
an upstairs room. The loss was $1600. Mr. RITCHIE lost part of his furniture and nearly all of
his clothing. The policy he held expired some months ago and he had failed to renew it. Mr.
RITCHIE has not yet decided to rebuild.

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